Review: Should you buy the AMD or Intel version of the ThinkPad T14s?

The collection of Lenovo’s business laptops is ever-growing and evolving, and with 2020 comes a rebrand of the ThinkPad T490s to the ThinkPad T14s. It’s still a slim version of the standard T14 (it’s the “s” in the name), and it’s available with both AMD and Intel processor (CPU) options with a few key differences other than performance. I’ve been using both for about a week, comparing as I go to see which one is the better deal and, ultimately, which one is more deserving of your money.

Lenovo supplied Windows Central with two review units of the ThinkPad T14s, one with an Intel Core i5-10310U vPro CPU and one with an AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 4750U. Both models include 16GB of DDR4 dual-channel RAM (soldered), a 512GB M.2 PCIe solid-state drive (SSD), and a 14-inch 1080p touch display.

The exact AMD configuration costs about $1,833 at Lenovo, while the exact Intel version costs about $2,834 at Lenovo. For a better deal on the Intel model — albeit with non-vPro Core i5-10210U CPU and the low-power FHD display option — you can get 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD for about $1,855 at Newegg. Likewise, a better deal on the Ryzen model with 16GB of RAM and 512GB SSD is about $1,521 at Newegg. It’s clear that the AMD version is going to cost less than the Intel version in most cases.

Here’s a look at the exact specs in both review units of the ThinkPad T14s I received from Lenovo.

Compared to the 2019 ThinkPad T490s that we also reviewed, the rebranded T14s has almost the exact same dimensions and weight. This is a slim, compact 14-inch Ultrabook that won’t take up much space in a backpack or briefcase. Both laptops have been put through stringent tests to ensure durability and are built from aluminum and carbon fiber polymer. The AMD version is available only in the classic ThinkPad Black finish, whereas you can grab the Intel version with a Silver finish and full aluminum build. The laptops are thin, but they are rigid.

The ThinkPad T14s is a slim workhorse that doesn’t skimp on durability.

Ports are nearly the same on both models, and in general, the connectivity is generous. On the left side of the Intel model is USB-C 3.2 (doubling as a charging port), Thunderbolt 3, Ethernet extension adapter, USB-A 3.2, HDMI 1.4, and a 3.5mm audio jack. On the right is a single USB-A 3.2 and a Kensington lock slot. The AMD model has the same layout, though it lacks Thunderbolt 3; it instead has two USB-C 3.2. This might be an issue if you’re looking to connect something like an external GPU with Thunderbolt 3. Still, otherwise, there are plenty of powerful docking stations that use USB-C. Note that the AMD model’s HDMI port is 2.0 instead of 1.4.

On the rear edge of both laptops are a combination microSD card reader and SIM slot if you choose to add an LTE card. An optional Smart Card reader can be added to either laptop if required.

Wireless connectivity other than the optional 4G LTE includes Intel Wi-Fi 6 in both models for fast, reliable wireless internet. The AMD model has Bluetooth 5.0, while the Intel version has Bluetooth 5.1. In either case, you won’t be starving for a quality connection, especially if you invest in one of our picks for best Wi-Fi 6 router.

ThinkPads are heavily associated with security, and both laptops are stacked with included and optional features. A webcam shutter is included whether or not you select an IR camera at checkout for facial recognition. In this review case, the AMD version has IR, while the Intel version does not. It works without flaw, and it’s backed up by a fingerprint reader embedded into the right palm rest. The Intel model has the same fingerprint reader, and both work without issue for fast, quick logins without a password.

The dual 1W down-firing speakers get plenty loud and are above average in terms of sound quality. The laptop is thin and light, yet there’s decent bass and hardly any distortion at high volume. Dolby Audio, no doubt, helps with this. As for the camera, the IR and 720p combination in the AMD model seems to offer a better picture though neither is particularly astounding.

Plenty comfortable

Lenovo ThinkPad T14s keyboard and touchpad

If you’re having a hard time choosing between Intel and AMD, it’s not going to come down to the keyboard. Both laptops have the same layout — with Fn and Ctrl keys swapped — with deep travel and cupped keys. If you’re upgrading an old ThinkPad, you’ll feel right at home, and newcomers to the line should quickly fall into the easy typing feel.

The TrackPoint system is here for those who like using the red pointing nub and physical buttons. It’s backed up by a sizable Precision touchpad with a mylar finish. Pointing is smooth and precise, allowing you to go about your work without any impediment.

Lots of options

Lenovo ThinkPad T14s display

Lenovo has a wide array of 14-inch WVA display options available for the ThinkPad T14s. AMD and Intel versions have a 250-nit FHD non-touch option, 300-nit FHD touch option (which both review units are using), 400-nit low-power FHD option, and 500-nit FHD touch option with Privacy Guard screen filter. These all have an anti-glare layer that does a good job of reducing the effects of working in a well-lit environment. If you’d like to step things up to 4K, only the Intel model has the option. It’s still a WVA panel but includes Dolby Vision HDR 400, 500 nits brightness, and a glossy finish.

Testing color accuracy with a Datacolor SpyderX Pro, the AMD model’s display hit just 62% sRGB, 46% AdobeRGB, and 46% DCI-P3, with up to 337 nits brightness. The Intel model’s display didn’t fare much better, managing 65% sRGB, 49% AdobeRGB, and 48% DCI-P3, with up to 342 nits brightness.

The picture still looks good thanks to the contrast and brightness, but those looking to include photo editing or who just like a color-accurate picture will likely be disappointed. The low-power and Privacy Guard options appear to have better color based on Lenovo’s documentation, but the best option is no doubt the 4K display. Shame it’s not available with the AMD hardware. And, of course, if you’re looking to get the most battery life from your device, the low-power display should be the top choice.

AMD beats Intel

Lenovo ThinkPad T14s performance and battery

AMD has been on a tear with its Ryzen 4000 mobile CPUs, and the ThinkPad T14s is one of the first laptops to take advantage of the PRO variant. It comes with extra security and management features compared to the standard Ryzen 7 4000 mobile chips, plus its multithreading abilities lend it extra performance. If you’re selecting one of these laptops and don’t absolutely need Intel’s vPro chips, it’s going to make a better choice. Especially because of the price difference.

Lenovo’s Vantage app has a bevy of extra features you can tweak to your liking, including a battery threshold toggle (to keep your battery from overcharging), smart standy be keep battery topped up when the laptop is idle, and an always-on USB toggle. If we’re ever all flying regularly again, there’s likewise an AC power limiter for times when you need to plug in while airborne.

Let’s take a look at some raw benchmarks to see how the two ThinkPad T14s laptops compare to each other and to a bunch of other laptops we’ve recently reviewed.

Enjoy all-day battery life from the ThinkPad T14s.

Battery life from the 57Wh battery is excellent in both versions of the laptop. The Intel Core i5 model with half as many cores lasted 11 hours and three minutes in PCMark 10’s Modern Office rundown with brightness at about 60% and power set to “Better Performance.” Real-world usage throughout the day still saw the laptop go for about nine or 10 hours, more than enough to get through a workday without having to plug in.

The Ryzen 7 model, with far more raw performance, lasted 10 hours and 43 minutes in the same test with similar screen brightness and power setting. Again, real-world usage saw that drop to just more than nine hours, but that’s still an excellent result. Both laptops have Rapid Charge that delivers about 80% battery life in about an hour.

Shoot for AMD

Should you buy the ThinkPad T14s?

Who it’s for

• Those who need a slim 14-inch business laptop
• Those who want a great typing experience
• Those who need plenty of ports and optional 4G LTE connectivity
• Those who want to spend more than $1,000
• Those who want a full workday of battery life

Who it isn’t for

• Those who need dedicated graphics performance
• Those who don’t need extra security features
• Those who don’t want to spend more than $1,000

Like the T490s that came before, the ThinkPad T14s is a quality business laptop that manages to remain lightweight and compact despite plenty of features. LTE connectivity is available for those who need it. There are plenty of ports and security features, it has all-day battery life, and you can customize models with a ton of different options, including Intel and AMD hardware.

4
out of 5

After using both CPU versions for about a week, I’d rather take the pure performance upgrade from AMD at a lower price than pay more for Intel. Sure, if you absolutely need Thunderbolt 3, vPro, or a 4K display option, Intel will make sense, but otherwise stick with Ryzen PRO. And for more great laptop options, be sure to have a look at our collection of the overall best Windows laptops available now.